Obama backs new assault weapons ban

President Obama supports efforts to reinstate an assault weapons ban as part of a comprehensive plan to address gun violence, his spokesman said Tuesday.

Press Secretary Jay Carney added that Obama would back proposals to close the "gun show loophole," which allows people to buy weapons without background checks.

There is also talk of restricting high-capacity ammunition clips, and "that is something, certainly, that he would be interested in looking at," Carney said.

Obama is meeting with aides and others to develop a "comprehensive" plan that would include the education, social, and mental health issues associated with gun violence, aides said.

The president spoke by phone Tuesday with Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Va., a Democratic gun rights supporter who said he is re-thinking his position in light of Friday's shooting that killed 20 elementary school children and six adults in Newtown, Conn.

The president "wants to move in the coming weeks," Carney said.

The administration's project will likely involve Vice President Biden, Attorney General Eric Holder, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. All have spoken with Obama.

After his telephone conversation with Obama, Manchin said that "we must have a dialogue and bring parties from all sides to the table."

That includes "my friends" at the National Rifle Association and other Second Amendment supporters, Manchin said. He added, "I know that their hearts are aching for the families in Newtown, just like all Americans."

In addition to new gun control measures, lawmakers are discussing a number of other issues in response to the Newtown killings. They include mental health funding and addressing the impact of violent video games and films on young minds.

"It's a complex problem that requires more than one solution," Carney said. "It calls not only for re-examining our gun laws -- and how well we enforce them -- but also for engaging mental health professionals, law enforcement officials, educators, parents and communities to find those solutions."

Carney specifically cited the efforts of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Cal., who says she plans to introduce legislation early next year to reinstate the assault weapons ban that lapsed in 2004. Obama has voiced support in the past for a new assault weapons ban, but did little to push the issue during his first term.

Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., have both introduced bills for more restrictions on sales at gun shows.

Congressional Republicans, who have generally opposed gun control in the past, have been low key on the topic since the latest incident.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Tuesday: "The entire Congress is united in condemning the violence in Newtown, and on the need to enforce our laws. As we continue to learn the facts, Congress will examine whether there is an appropriate and constitutional response that would better protect our citizens."

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